30 June - 4 July 2025
WELCOME
Welcome to the IEG Staff Conference 2025!
This year’s staff conference, is themed ‘Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Exceptional’. Day one of our conference is directly linked to our new strategy, launched in November 2024: IEG 2024-30 Strategy: Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Exceptional. Our journey ahead is built on a bold mission, to transform lives through inspirational and innovative learning. Each of our nine strategic priorities are grounded in a commitment to positive, measurable impact, whether by expanding opportunities for students, cultivating a thriving workforce, or championing a sustainable future. Your role and dedication are central to bringing this strategy to life. We will explore what progress we have made as an organisation and what our key priorities are as we go into the new academic year. I am so proud of what we have achieved together and there is so much more for us to do and so many opportunities to explore.
I am delighted to welcome Jaz AmpawFarr as our key note speaker who will be speaking on ‘Being 10% Braver’. Jaz reminds us that change comes as a result of inspiration or desperation. Why wait for the latter? Courageous conversations, whether at work or in life, require you to show up as your full self. It’s never easy to go against the tide, address conflict, or challenge the status quo, which is where being 10% braver comes into play. Jaz’s insights will inspire us to embody the ‘Be Bold, Be Brave’ aspects of our new strategy.
Finally, Monday will also see us celebrating the exceptional achievements of our colleagues, as we host our IEG Staff Awards. Details of the award categories and nomination process can be found within this brochure and I would encourage staff to nominate colleagues and celebrate their achievements.
I am so proud to be part of the team at IEG and work with such exceptional people. It is through your passion, expertise and dedication that IEG continues to flourish and we make such a difference to the students and communities we serve. My thanks go to all those involved in planning our staff conference, this is a huge task and I am so thankful for your efforts, no doubt it is going to be a great week.
As usual, we have plenty of fun social activities planned for Wellbeing Wednesday. These moments of fun and enjoyment are vital for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and rejuvenating our spirits. This conference is an opportunity for us to come together, share best practices and ignite our collective creativity. Prepare to be inspired, challenged and empowered as we embark on this exciting journey together.
I look forward to seeing you all on 30 June at New Theatre Peterborough, followed by our summer lunch back at Peterborough College campus.
Rachel Nicholls Chief Executive Officer
BOOKING, FEEDBACK & ONLINE SESSIONS
The Staff Development Conference 2025 page on Inspire Insights goes live from Friday 13 June. Visit Insights to book sessions, leave feedback or to find the links to any of the online sessions delivered throughout the week.
Booking
Bookings open at 9.00am on Friday 13 June. Please note that all workshops require booking unless indicated otherwise in the programme. Please also note that some sessions and workshops have limited numbers so get booked quickly.
Feedback
Your feedback is very important to us and helps us plan future events tailored to you. Please remember to give feedback at the end of each day on Inspire Insights.
Online Sessions
Links to all the online sessions will be available on Insights before the session starts. Please register your attendance.
@peterboroughcollege
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Keep in Touch
Cultivate the future, grow and innovate together. Share your experience, thoughts and insights with us! Tag us and use the hashtag #WeAreIEG.
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@stamfordcollegeuk
@stamfordcollegeuk
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@ucpeterborough
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Monday: 30 June
MONDAY 30 June
New Theatre, Peterborough - All Staff
Arrival
Breakfast: Hot and cold options including tea, coffee and juice.
8.15am - 9.00am
Start and Welcome
Welcome and introduction from Rachel Nicholls, CEO of Inspire Education Group.
Guest Speaker: Jaz Ampaw-Farr
Jaz Ampaw-Farr
9.15am - 9.25am
9.30am - 10.45am
Be 10% Braver – Embrace challenge, unlock potential and rebrand failure. Be A Positive Disruptor.
A multi-award-winning inspirational speaker and one of the UK’s top female motivational speakers, Jaz transforms lives by empowering individuals to reframe their narratives and situations, a unique ability she calls her “alchemy.” Drawing on a challenging childhood and a diverse career spanning TV presenting, TEDx talks, and comedy, Jaz uses authentic honesty and humour to help people rethink leadership. In her keynote, she tackles the fear of change by promoting curiosity and emphasising “WITH-ness,” human connection, and personal ownership of one’s potential. Key themes include rebranding failure through a “Failure CV” to create impact roadmaps, strengthening emotional intelligence for authentic connections, and utilising her practical “Jazlow’s Hierarchy of Needs” to unlock potential.
Rachel Nicholls
End of Year Address from Rachel Nicholls, CEO of Inspire Education Group.
Awarded by Rachel Nicholls, CEO of IEG and David Pennell, Chair of Corporation
Our annual IEG Staff Excellence Awards are designed to recognise the outstanding hard work of staff members across the group. Staff members that have been nominated by their peers for the hard work that goes into helping our students, innovating learning, building relationships with employers and the community and demonstrating the group’s values. The categories are:
• Outstanding Contribution - Lecturer of the Year Award
• Outstanding Contribution - Student Support Staff Member of the Year Award
• Outstanding Contribution - Business Support Staff Member of the Year Award
• Outstanding Contribution by a Member of Staff in Their First Year
• Digital Innovation and Excellence in Teaching Award
• Excellence in Customer Service Award
• Positive Contribution to Our Local Community Award
• The Award for Impact Through Partnership
• The Lifetime Achievement Award
• Inspiring Leadership Award
• IEG Team of the Year Award
Closing Speech
Closing speech by David Pennell, Chair of Corporation.
Time to Connect
Staff Summer Lunch at Peterborough College Campus, with catering from The Cheesy Pig, The Rollin’ Bowls, Chapel House Pizza Co, Kura Kura Sri Lankan Street Food and Grasmere Farm.
12.50pm - 12.55pm
1.30pm - 3.30pm
David Pennell
GETTING THERE
This year’s Staff Development Conference launch day (Monday) will be held at New Theatre Peterborough.
Reaching the venue on foot is simple. Park at Peterborough College and take the opportunity to walk with colleagues and get in your daily steps. For more information on how to access the venue, visit the New Theatre website
Peterborough College, Park Crescent, Peterborough PE14DZ
New Theatre, 46, Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1RS
Access Information
Entering the theatre: The Front of House areas are fully accessible from street level via a lift, this is located at the left side of the building via the glass doors. The lift accesses the Stalls Foyer where the Box Office and Stalls Bar are located. The lift also goes to the 2nd floor where the Circle Entrance and Circle Bar are located, along with the entrance to the Boizot Lounge. There are 6 wheelchair accessible spaces, plus an additional 6 seats for essential companions if required. These spaces are located at the back of the stalls on a raised platform above the rest of the Stalls and provide a great view. The sound desk is also located in this area.
The New Theatre welcome guide and assistance dogs with open arms and a fresh bowl of water.
The Boizot Lounge is available as a quiet space for staff with neurodiverse needs to access at their discretion throughout the conference.
Please note: The induction loop in the main auditorium is currently unavailable due to a technological issue. They are currently looking into the issue and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Please ensure you have indicated any special access requirements on your RSVP.
TUESDAY 1 July
Peterborough College - Curriculum Staff
Enhancing Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (TLA)
Investing in our TLA is key to IEG’s commitment to delivering high-quality education for all students. This conference provides a dedicated opportunity for staff to explore effective strategies, exchange best practices, and further develop their expertise in these crucial areas. The day’s sessions are designed to be relevant for all staff, regardless of experience. Our Quality Lead Practitioners (QLPs) will lead practical workshops, offering valuable insights and actionable techniques to support you in the classroom.
Peterborough College: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Stamford Colleagues, please make arrangements to travel to Peterborough.
This conference aims to cultivate a shared drive for excellence in TLA through active engagement and collaboration. By focusing on these fundamental principles, we empower our students to gain the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary for future success.
Final details, including specific session times, locations, and additional activities, will be shared with managers and staff closer to the date.
Peterborough College - Student Support Teams
Trauma Informed Practice: Creating Supportive and Nurturing Environments
This one-day course explores the foundations of trauma and the core principles of trauma-informed practice, including how trauma affects behaviour, relationships, and resilience. Education staff will reflect on their own experiences, build strategies to support both students and colleagues, and develop practical tools to embed trauma-informed approaches into everyday practice. The session will also focus on staff wellbeing, preventing vicarious trauma, and creating compassionate, inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.
Peterborough College, Main Hall: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Stamford Colleagues, please make arrangements to travel to Peterborough.
This specialised training is tailored to provide targeted support for staff within our Student Services Support areas, including: Student Mentors, Student Wellbeing Services, Admissions and IAG (Information, Advice, and Guidance), Additional Learning Support and Work Experience.
Stamford College - Business Support Staff
Growth, Collaboration, and Recognition
We are thrilled to dedicate a full day to our incredible Business Support teams during this year’s Staff Development week! Your vital contributions, from administrative functions to specialised academic support, ensure an exceptional student experience and uphold IEG’s ‘whole-College’ approach. We deeply value the dedication and hard work you bring to our community every day.
Join us for a dynamic day focused on growth, collaboration, and recognition. The day will feature:
Stamford College: 9.30am - 4.00pm Peterborough Colleagues, please make arrangements to travel to Stamford.
Reflecting on Success and Charting the Future: We’ll celebrate the achievements of 2024/25 and collectively look ahead to the opportunities and priorities of 2025/26. Let’s share our insights and build on our momentum.
Embracing ‘Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Exceptional’: Delve into IEG’s new enabling strategies and explore how your role is instrumental in bringing our strategic vision to life. We’ll brainstorm actionable steps to implement these values in our daily work and drive innovation.
Building Stronger Connections: Engage in meaningful networking and teambuilding activities. This is a chance to strengthen relationships, share best practices, and foster a supportive and collaborative environment.
Alternative Awards: Get ready for the ‘Business Support Alternative Awards’, a special moment to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding contributions of our Business Support staff.
Final details, including specific session times, locations, and additional activities, will be shared with managers and staff closer to the date.
WELLBEING WEDNESDAY 2 July
Peterborough & Stamford College - All Staff
Wellbeing Wednesday
At IEG, we are committed to cultivating a thriving workforce, where your wellbeing is a priority, and you feel valued, engaged, and empowered. Wellbeing Wednesday is dedicated to you! This special day offers a range of fun and engaging activities that reinforce the NHS ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’.
Connect Be Active Keep Learning Give Pay Attention to the Present Moment
Based on your valuable feedback, the Wellbeing Group has organised an exciting programme, including:
• Golf at Thorpe Wood
• Lush Bath Bomb Workshop
• Five-A-Side Football
• Yoga
• Pottery Painting
• Team Building Games
• Gym Passes
• Burghley House Passes
• GloGolf
• Aerial Hooping Workshop
• Wildwood Cinema Room
• Time to Connect: Tea and Chat
We believe there’s something for everyone! All activities are open to all staff, and managers are encouraged to plan additional team wellbeing activities beyond the scheduled programme.
Bookings for wellbeing activities open on Inspire Insights from 9.00am on Monday 9 June.
Our Commitment To
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
IEG is dedicated to fostering an exceptional culture where wellbeing is prioritised, and every member of our community feels valued, engaged, and empowered. We strive to forge a truly inclusive organisation where everyone has equality of opportunity to succeed. This commitment is underpinned by the AoC Mental Health Charter and is central to our Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which outlines our plan to create a supportive and thriving environment for all.
Leadership and Ethos
We are committed to fostering a culture where mental health and wellbeing are championed at every level. Our leaders will:
Student Support
Service.
Visibly prioritise mental health and wellbeing.
Champion a compassionate and inclusive culture.
Embed wellbeing in our vision, values, and practices.
free, confidential service providing for concerns big or small. Unlimited access to a 24/7 helpline, and hours wellbeing content on the student portal.
Support for Students
• Be Bold We encourage you to seek support when you need it. We offer a range of accessible resources to help you through your learning journey.
Freephone: 0800 031 8227
see how we can help. Click ‘New Here? Sign Up’ and enter your college’s organisation code: INSPIRE If you have signed up previously, your username is your email address.
Freephone: 1800 903 542 Text ‘Hi’ to 074 1836 0780 Wellbeing Portal: app.spectrum.life/login guidance and issues such as:
Addiction
Relationships
• Be Brave Talking about mental health takes courage. We’re here to listen and support you without judgement.
• Be Exceptional Your wellbeing is key to your success. We’re committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment where you can flourish.
Create safe and supportive spaces for all.
Actively prevent discrimination and harassment.
Promote a sense of belonging for every individual.
Workplace Wellbeing
• Be Bold Prioritise your own wellbeing. We encourage you to seek support when needed.
• Be Brave Open conversations about mental health are essential. We’re committed to a culture of understanding and support.
• Be Exceptional Your wellbeing is vital to our success. We’re dedicated to creating a thriving workplace where you feel valued and empowered.
IEG will ensure:
A supportive and welcoming workplace culture.
Managers are trained to support your wellbeing.
Accessible support and interventions.
Opportunities for reflection and development.
Scan to access more information on our Staff Wellbeing and Mental Health Platform on Inspire Insights.
Your feedback shapes our Mental Health Strategy.
Confidence in supporting student mental health.
Targeted mental health training.
Ongoing development for specialist staff.
WAYS TO WELLBEING 5
Connect
1
Talk and Listen: Improves wellbeing by 15%. Join activity groups, talk to everyone you meet and try to make them smile :)
2
Be Active
Improves wellbeing by 12%. Try yoga, walking, dancing, boxing or any other exercise.
Keep Learning
3
4
5
Improves wellbeing by 15%. New skills or physical activities are a great way to learn and keep active. Learn from others or help them which will help you to connect and give!
Give
Giving through kindness or gratitude improves wellbeing by 24%. Smile at everyone you meet, kind words, kind deeds, write a positive journal.
Pay attention to the present moment
Improves your wellbeing by 10%. Take some time to enjoy the moment and the environment around you. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body, and the world around you. Some people call this awareness ‘Mindfulness’.
Thursday: 3 July - UCP Conference
THURSDAY
3 July
University Centre Peterborough - HE Conference
Staff are expected to attend for the full day.
Welcome
Refreshments and registration.
Opening Address
With Liz Knight
The HE environment and UCP’s vision for 2025 - 2030.
AI and Academic Integrity
With Dan Lee and Liz Knight
Building digital literacy and skills while responding to the opportunities and challenges of AI. The launch of the UCP 2 Track Approach.
Arrangements for the Day
Break
Developing an AI Enabled Assessment
With HE Managers, Liz Knight and Katie McAllister
• 4 groups led by HE Managers and Liz Knight: Group work on AI - refocussing assessment for academic staff. Staff will be required to bring an example assessment.
• 1 group for non-academic staff led by Katie McAllister: Using AI to reduce workload and ensuring good practice.
Thursday: 3 July - UCP Conference
Lunch
Staff will have the opportunity to review texts and library resources in preparation for 25/26.
Carousel of Activities
Select 2 from the below:
• HE and Apprenticeships: Developing New Relationships
• Effective Curriculum Design: Stepping Forward into Re-validation
• Student Engagement and Interest
• Employability and Graduate Attributes
• Access and Participation: Opportunities For All
Guest Speaker: Professor Danny Lui
Conference Close / Plenary
• Ensuring Impact
• 2 Actions from the Day
• Evaluation
If you are not involved in the HE conference, please see page 18.
THURSDAY
Peterborough &
Stamford
College - All Staff 3 July
Maximise Teaching and Learning with Google Workspace for Education
Enhance your teaching and learning skills with our Google Workspace for Education training. This session focuses on leveraging core Google app features to optimise educational practices. You’ll work towards achieving IEG Workspace Skills badges and Google Educator certification, empowering you to become a certified expert in utilising Google tools for the classroom.
Anyone who does not have Google Educator certification and is not part of UCP is required to attend these sessions.
Department Activities with your Line Manager
Activities will be happening in departments for all staff who are not involved in other activities. Your Head of Faculty / Line Manager will let you know what is arranged nearer the time.
Grofar-Tracking and Monitoring Industry Placements and Work Experience
With Ben Menzies, Grofar and Laura Richards, WEX Team Leader
This session is mandatory for all staff who have Work Experience or Industry Placements as part of their study programme. Showcase the platform, how you can find your course/students, and track progress from confirmation of placements through to tracking of hours against target.
There will be time for questions for the last 15 minutes of the session.
T Level Industry Placements: Sharing Our Successes, Lessons Learned, and Future Strategies
With Julie Addison, Assistant Principal - Student Experience and Georgina Atkins, WEX Team Leader
This session is mandatory for all T Level programme tutors. We’ll be sharing best practices and insights gained this year in engaging with employers and successfully securing industry placements for our students. We’ll discuss what’s worked well, explore some of the challenges encountered, and collectively strategise how we can scale up our efforts to ensure all students succeed as our T Level programmes grow. We’ll also clarify roles and responsibilities to support for students.
FRIDAY 4 July
Peterborough & Stamford College - All Staff
Department Activities with your Line Manager
Activities will be happening in departments for all curriculum and student support staff. Your Head of Faculty / Line Manager will let you know what is arranged nearer the time.
9.00am - 4.30pm
Peterborough College
www.peterborough.ac.uk
0345 872 8722
Stamford College www.stamford.ac.uk
01780 484300
University Centre Peterborough www.ucp.ac.uk
01733 214466